Counting and recording machine



April 11, 1939.

c. A. MARSTON 2,153,808

COUNTING AND RECORDING MACHINE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 8, 1934 FIE Donna. Q

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HIHHHIHIHIIHIIIIIIIHI (Ur/f5 A Mars 0/7 ATTORNEY.

A ril 11, 1939. v c. A. MARSTON 2,153,808

COUNTING AND RECORDING MACHINE Filed Dec. 8, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIE 4 INVENTOR.

FIB 8-.

ATTORNEY.

V fur/ 3 AJVans/On Patented Apr. 11, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

This invention relates generally to machines to be used in machine-sho and manufacturing establishments, to form a record and to establish an accurate check of various operations. For

example, when applied to a machine for carrying out repeated operations on parts or units of a production schedule, the invention afiords an accurate count of the articles or units operated upon by the machine, and at the same time provides a printed record from which the performance of the machine can be judged.

It is an object of the invention to provide a machine of the above character which will be characterized by simplicity of construction and reliability of operation.

A further object is to enable the production of a printed record in tape form, affording a graphic indication of the production and use of a machine or appliance with which the invention is being used. As will be presently explained, by the use of such a printed record I can check machine operations over a working day, thus affording information with respect to production and cost control, as well as determine the individual efiiciency and ability of particular workmen.

Further objects of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiment of the invention has been set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view, illustrating an apparatus incorporating the present invention, together with a type of contactor which I may employ in several instances.

Fig. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of my apparatus, taken through the center of the feed roll.

Fig. 3 is a View illustrating a typical type of tape which may be utilized in conjunction with my apparatus.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of my apparatus, with the cover being cut away to show the operating parts.

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the apparatus, with certain. parts being shown in crosssection.

Fig. 6 is a detail illustrating the printing bar and the inking means.

Referring first to Figs. 2 to 5 inclusive, the combined counting and recording apparatus shown therein consists generally of a counting device I0, a recording device II, and a common actuating means |2 for both these devices. When the actuating means I2 is energized, as by the closing of an electrical circuit connected to the same, an operation of the counting device occurs, and simultaneously the recording device II is operated to print a mark upon a paper tape or like record.

The actuating means l2 may conveniently take the form of an electrical solenoid, as illustrated. While various forms of solenoids or like actuating means can be utilized, the one shown consists of an electro-magnet 3 provided with the 0 usual winding M. A slidable magnetic plunger 6 is associated with the electro-magnet, and has its upper end attached to an anvil l1. When the winding I4 is electrically energized the plunger l6 moves upwardly, and when de-energized the 15 plunger drops down to its lowermost limit, by gravity or by spring tension. As representative of a suitable mounting for the solenoid, its electro-magnet is shown attached to a bracket l8, which in turn is secured to or formed as a part 20 of the base-plate I9.

The counting device In can likewise be of con ventional construction, as for example one having aligned counter wheels arranged to be actuated by oscillations of a shaft 2|. As representa- 25 tive of suitable mounting, the counter is shown attached to a plate 22, which in turn is secured to the upper end of the solenoid l2. To afford an operating connection of utmost simplicity between the counter and the solenoid, an arm 30 or lever 23 is shown attached to the counting shaft 2|, and the outer end of this arm carries a hardened metal roller 24. The positioning of the counter is such that the periphery of roller 24 engages the upper surface 25 of the solenoid anvil l1. It may be noted at thispoint that such counters generally incorporate a spring or like means tending to bias the operating shaft in one direction. Thus, in the arrangement described, the spring within the counter tends to urge the shaft 2| in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 5, to maintain the periphery of roller 24 in contact vnth the anvil surface 25. When the solenoid is energized, it is evident that lifting of the anvil l1 serves to make a count, and subsequent de-energization of the solenoid permits the anvil I! to drop back to its original position, to be followed by the arm 23.

The recording device illustrated is constructed as follows: there is a support 26, which includes a vertical plate 21. Extending through the plate 21 and journaled by simple means, such as a ball-bearing assembly'28, there is a shaft 29. When the apparatus is in operation, this shaft is driven at 55 Mounted upon the base-plate I9 a predetermined timed rate, by suitable means such as a synchronous electric motor 39. The construction of this motor need not be described in detail, since devices of this character, adapted to operate from alternating current supply lines, are well known in the art. The motor is shown mounted upon a plate 3| which extends parallel to plate 21 and which is secured thereto by suitable means, such as spacing studs 32.

The operating shaft of the electric motor extends through plate 3|, and is provided with a drive pinion 33. To afford suitable gearing for connecting pinion 33 with shaft 29, the pinion is shown engaging a gear 34, which in turn carries a pinion 36. Pinion 36 engages a gear 37, which in turn is mounted upon the rear end of shaft 29. Gear 34 and pinion 38 are mounted for free rotation, as by means of shaft 38.

Mounted upon that portion of the shaft 28 which extends in front of plate 2'1, there is a tape-feeding roller 4|. Since at times this roller should be free to rotate about shaft 29 with a minimum of friction, it is shown journaled to the shaft by ball-bearing assembly 42. The outer periphery of roller 4| is preferably provided with a suitable surfacing 43, such as rubber or composition, and is also formed to provide two sets of teeth 44.

As representative of suitable means for clutching roller 4| to the shaft 29, a wheel-like member 46 is mounted upon the shaft adjacent the outer end of the roll 4|. To form in effect a splined connection between member 48 and shaft 29, the hub of this member is shown provided with spaced slots 41 which accommodate space keys or lugs 48 carried by the associated shaft. Adjacent the periphery of member 46, a serrated inner face 49 is provided, which is adapted to engage a like serrated face 5| formed upon the outer end of roll 4|. A compression spring 52 normally urges member 46 towards the roll 4|. The outer end of this spring is shown seated upon a nut 53, which is carried by the outer end of shaft 29.

To facilitate manual retraction of clutch member 46 from the exterior of the cover for the apparatus, a cup-shaped member 54 is secured to its outer face, and serves to house the spring 52 and the corresponding end of shaft 29. The outer end of member 54 carries an operating knob 56. By exerting an outward pull upon knob 56, it is evident that the serrated faces 49 and 5| are moved apart, thus permitting free rotation of the roll 4|.

The recording device prints upon a paper tape 58, such as illustrated in detail in Fig. 3, and which may be in strip or roll form. To enable application of such a tape to the roll 4|, and in order to properly guide the tape during operation of the apparatus, guide means is provided as follows: Disposed below the roll 4| there is an inclined wall 59 which may be formed as an integral part of the support 28. The upper face of wall 59 is recessed to form bottom and side guiding surfaces El and 62, respectively. The side guiding surfaces 52 are spaced apart a distance only slightly greater than the Width of the paper tape 58. Extending over the upper surface of wall 59 there is a plate 63, the arrangement of this plate together with the parts just described forming in effect a tapered guide chute 84.

In addition to the chute 84, a further guide for the paper tape is formed by a pair of spaced guide bars 66. These bars are each provided with a curved portion 91, embracing substantially one half the circumference of the roll 4|, and with substantially straight portions 68 ex tending tangentially with respect to the roll. While such bars can be variously mounted, they are shown pivotally carried by a stud 69, with their lower ends 7| normally engaging the upper end of the inclined wall 59. A bias in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 5) can be afforded by the tensicning springs 72. Normally, the inner edges of the curved portions 51 are in spaced relationship but in close proximity to the outer periphery of the roll 4|. Beneath the straight portions 65 of the guide bars, a plate 13 can be provided, to insure continued delivery of the tape from the feed roll in a tangential direction.

To mark upon the paper tape, and thus afford a printed record, a printing bar 16 is provided, which has its one end or head 11 overlying the upper side of the tape roll 4|. A pivotal mounting for bar 16 is afforded by pin T8, which is carried by a suitable journal bracket 79. Secured to the bar 16 there is also an arm 8|, the end of which is provided with a slot 82. This slot serves to loosely accommodate a pin 33 carried by the anvil H. The lower end of head 11 carries suitable indicia 4, a simple linear character, such as the dash on an ordinary typewriter, being found satisfactory.

As a simple and reliable form of inking means, a small roller 86 is provided, which can be formed of felt or like ink-absorbent material. This roller is rotatably secured to the extremities of an arm 8'1, which in turn is carried for swinging movement on the stud 88. A second swinging arm 88 retains the roller in proper position. A tension spring 9| has its one end secured to arm 81 and its other end connected to an anchorage 92, and serves to normally bias roller 85 to swing in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 5. As will be presently explained in greater detail, upon energizing of solenoid l2, rapid upward movement of anvil ll serves to swing bar 16 downwardly, with the result that roller 86 is swung to one side of the head H, to permit the head to strike the paper tape. When bar 16 moves back to the upper limit of its movement, the ink ing roller moves back to inking position below the indicia 84. If desired, the roller 86 can be removed, to permit occasional replacement, by swinging arm 88 away from the same. A stop, in the form of an adjustable screw 93, can also be provided to limit the downward movement of bar 16.

To protect the working parts, a cover 94 can be provided, the lower edge of which may be detachably secured to the base-plate IS. A window or slot 96 is shown to facilitate reading of the counter I0, and slots 91 and 98 accommodate the tape 58. That portion of the cover overlying the tape roll 4| is shown provided with a hinged door 99, preferably of glass or like transparent material. By swinging back this door, one may make additional markings or notations upon the paper tape, as will be presently explained. The cover is also shown provided with an aperture |9| for accommodating the clutch-operating knob 56, and an opening I92 for accommodating the counter reset knob Hi3.

It is frequently desirable to provide one or more light signals, operating in conjunction with energization of the solenoid H. For this purpose a signal lamp I04 is provided, carried by a socket I95. The lamp may be of the neon type, with its terminals connected in shunt with the winding of the solenoid. A properly located window or opening can also be provided in the cover, to permit this lamp to be viewed. One or more additional signal lamps of the same character are frequently employed in a complete installation. Thus it has been found useful to arrange one lamp near the machine with which the apparatus is being used, so that the operator may be assured that operations are being properly regis tered and recorded.

Fig, 1 shows one type of installation of the apparatus described above. In this case, a combined counter and recorder apparatus A, as described, is used in conjunction with a contactor B, which in turn is mechanically connected to a motion takeoff device C. The motion take-off device C consists of a suitable bracket I86 which pivotally supports a lever I81. A wheel I08 is journaled at one end of lever I81, and has its axle operatively connected to the shaft I89 of counter B, by the flexible power-transmitting shaft Ill. Shaft Ill can be in the form of a helicoidal spring wire, or it may be an articulated element enclosed in a flexible housing. Connections between the ends of the flexible shaft Ill, and the wheel I88 and the shaft I89, can be such as to permit quick detachment, to facilitate making installation and repairs. The periphery of wheel I88 can be positioned to engage a moving part which will afford an index of the production of a machine or a group of machines. For example, it is shown engaging a strand of wire I I2, as this wire leaves machinery of a wire mill or as the wire is passing through various stages of manufacture. A tension spring H3 serves to urge wheel I88 against the wire I I2 to afiord a friction drive. Contactor B may be of a simple make-and-break type such as are available upon the market, and is shown electrically connected to the apparatus A by the flexible electrical cord H4. Cord H6, extending from the apparatus A, may connect to a source of power supply.

Instead of the installation shown in Fig. 1, it is evident that the apparatus A may be connected to various kinds of contactors or circuit-closing devices, to be energized according to the working of various machines, or of various other opera tions which one may desire to count, and which may afford a record of value when recorded in point of time. For example, connection may be made to a simple make-and-break contactor applied to a machine operating successively upon articles or parts being manufactured. In such instances, operation upon each article controls the electrical circuit to the solenoid, to count the articles operated upon and to record the successive operations in point of time.

Operation of the present invention can now be outlined as follows: The paper tape employed is preferably prepared in accordance with the type of operations to be counted and recorded. In the example illustrated in Fig. 3, two spaced rows of perforations H! are provided, and the positioning of these perforations leaves a sub stantial marginal edge H8. The spaced row of figures I I9 represents periods of time in terms of hours and minutes, the first being usually the start of the working day. The first part of the tape may be used to note information useful for subsequent analysis and identification. For example, as indicated, spaces are shown for noting the machine number, the identifying number of the operation, the department number, the .operators name, the individual number of the operator, and the date. In setting up the apparatus for making records on a tape of this character, the starting end of the tape is threaded upwardly through the tapered chute, upside down, and at the same time the clutch knob 56 is pulled outwardly to free the tape roll 4|. The advancing end of the tape passes readily between the roll and the guide bars 66, and the teeth 44 immediately engage with the perforations H1. By looking down through the door 99, the tape can be accurately positioned with respect to the actual time of day, by reference to the stationary pointer l2! (Fig/L). Clutch knob 58 is now released, so that thetape roll 4| is driven by the synchronous motor 30 at a speed corresponding o the spacing of the time markings I I9.

Assuming now that the apparatus is being empioyed in an installation where a contactor is employed to close the solenoid circuit, as articles being operated upon are being discharged from the machine, for each closing of the contactor energization of the solenoid causes rapid upward movement of plunger IE to lift the anvil l1. Lifting of anvil l1 causes swinging of arm 23, to operate the counter l8. At the same time, bar 18 is swung downwardly with suflicient momentum to strike the tape to make a mark, in accordance with the markings I22 of Fig. 3. With respect to operation of the bar 16, it will be noted in Fig. 6 that downward movement of this bar causes inking roller 88 to be swung to one side and to ride upon the end space of the head 11. The travel of plunger I6 is such that when the plunger is in its. uppermost position, head 11 can strike the tape only by a further downward movement by virtue of its momentum, as permitted by the lost motion between pin 83 and slot 82. As the head 11 strikes the tape, a slight rebound occurs, to carry the same out of contact with the tape and thus avoid any smearing if the solenoid should remain energized for a considerable period of time. Until the solenoid is again deenergized, the head 11 is held in such slightly raised position by virtue of the friction afforded by engagement with roller 86. It will be evident that a record made in this manner will indicate the lapse of time between the completion of successive articles, and thus afford an accurate graphic record of a days production. A continuous blank space of considerable length represents an interruption of production, such as might be caused by a breakdown or shortage of material. Where printing operations occur with great rapidity, the markings may blend together without spacing. A particular feature is that from time to time, as operations proceed, explanatory notations can be made upon the margin H8. This can readily be accomplished by lifting the door 99, which will enable one to write upon the margin H8 or make standard notations thereon by means of a small rubber stamp. It is also evident that special printing mechanism can be employed for printing such notations, as for example a selective printing wheel. In the example shown in Fig. 3, such notations include the order number of the job being operated upon, and notations explaining a pause in the operation of the machine. Thus, explanations for intervals of non-production can be made a permanent part of the record, to supply information of importance for future analysis and consideration.

It is also evident that such a record makes it possible for a factory management to know if all productive units are operating continuously with a minimum of delay. It will of course be understood that in a factory having a great number of units or machines in operation, each unit will be equipped with one of my installations, with the accompanying recording apparatuses either located adjacent the individual machines or located at some central point where they may be under simultaneous observation. The information secured by the records is of vital interest to the production and planning departments of a factory, which are concerned with the progress of jobs, the quantities produced, the efficiency of operation of various units, and the like. Likewise, the record is of interest to the cost department of a factory, which must take into account the number of articles operated upon for a given time, the time required for certain operations, and other information having a bearing upon the ability of the several Workmen. Likewise, the information is of importance to the plant supervision, since knowledge regarding the departmental and individual efiiciency, particularly time lost and the causes of lost time, is essential.

Aside from the applications which have been described, the apparatus can be employed to advantage for numerous other uses. For example, it can be employed in making analysis of pedestrian or motor traific over certain areas or routes. Where motor traflic is passing through a tunnel or over a bridge, the energizing circuit may be controlled by interception of a light beam which in turn operates a photo-electric relay, or a. suitable roller or other device may operate a simple contactor. It is apparent that my apparatus when used in this manner will not only afiord a count of trafiic but will also afford a record which, over long periods, will accurately indicate periods of slack and peak traffic.

The printing arrangement provided by the printing bar and its associated inking roller, is of utmost simplicity and may be operated over long periods without attention or servicing. Such printing is far more practicable than the use of an ink or pencil stylus or like expedients, which require frequent attention and which would not produce a record comparable in clarity to that which I provide.

I claim:

In apparatus of the character described, a movable tape, a marking bar associated with said tape, means forming a pivotal mounting for said marking bar, a head formed on the free end of said bar, a printing character formed on said head, whereby when said bar is swung towards said tape said character is impacted with the tape, a pivoted arm, an inking roller secured to the free end of said arm, spring means for urging said roller towards inking position with respect to said character when the bar is in a retracted position with respect to the tape, said roller being displaced to engage the end face of said head when the bar is moved toward the tape, and means serving to actuate said bar.

CURTIS A. MARSTON. 

